Austin Adventures Guide in Canada

Jenna is a passionate and capable emerging guide who is excited to be spending the summer exploring the trails of Banff and Jasper. She grew up in Calgary with the Rockies as her backyard and has spent years hiking, skiing, and adventuring in the mountains. Jenna is currently studying Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership at Mount Royal University, where she’s developed strong skills in group facilitation, wilderness safety, and environmental stewardship. A former member of the Canadian National Biathlon Team, Jenna competed internationally from 2018 to 2023. Her athletic background has given her a deep appreciation for endurance, resilience, and teamwork.

What's your favorite travel destination? 

Norway! Or Kenya!

What's your favorite adventure activity? 

Trail running, climbing and backcountry/Nordic skiing

What has been your most inspiring adventure experience? 

One of my most inspiring adventure experiences happened during a month-long field school in Norway as part of my Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership degree. We spent four weeks travelling across the country—sea kayaking, glacier trekking, cowboy camping, and learning about group dynamics in real time. But the most memorable moment for me was the day I was in charge of planning, facilitating, and leading our full itinerary in the tiny fjord-side village of Undredal. I organized a full-day experience for our group, starting with a hike into the surrounding mountains, followed by booking a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge session right on the edge of the fjord. We wrapped up with a local goat cheese tasting — a nod to Undredal’s claim to fame. Coordinating all the logistics in a small rural town was a challenge, but seeing how stoked and relaxed everyone was at the end of the day made it so worth it. That experience really reminded me why I love creating outdoor experiences that bring people together — it was a rewarding mix of leadership, creativity, and connection.

What's your favorite Active Adventures trip, and why? 

The one I'm doing with you!

When did you first get the travel bug? 

I first caught the travel bug through sport. Competing in biathlon took me across Canada, Europe, and even Asia, and I quickly fell in love with waking up somewhere new, surrounded by different landscapes and cultures. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, exploring new places, and connecting with the people and stories behind them.

Why did you want to become a guide with Austin Adventures?

I wanted to become a guide for Active/Austin Adventures because it combines everything I care about—connecting  to nature, creating meaningful experiences, and fostering a sense of challenge and discovery. I love seeing how the outdoors brings people together and helps them grow, and I want to be part of that process..

What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?

Patagonia

Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?

I’ve spent most of my life as an athlete, so I’m naturally drawn to endurance-based activities like trail running, skiing, and long mountain days. I also shoot on film and love capturing moments outdoors. Through my digital media minor, I’ve started exploring adventure filmmaking as another way to document life outside. When I’m not moving, I’m usually reading — I always have my eReader handy.